Nigeria Convicts 653 in Terrorism Trials Amid Concerns

The Federal Government of Nigeria announced that 653 individuals have been convicted of terrorism-related offenses following the eleventh phase of special terrorism trials. Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, stated that 1,060 suspects were brought before the Federal High Court, with 880 cases heard as of midday on 23 October 2026.

The results included 653 convictions, seven acquittals, and 27 discharges, with proceedings still ongoing. While this represents significant prosecutorial activity in a country where justice often moves slowly, concerns have been raised regarding the nature of these convictions.

Human Rights Watch previously indicated that prosecutions seemed to focus on lower-level suspects rather than those responsible for serious crimes, questioning the evidentiary basis of some convictions, particularly those relying on guilty pleas without substantial evidence. The importance of ensuring justice through credible evidence and respect for constitutional safeguards is emphasized, especially in terrorism cases.